New Sting, Aaron Neville and David Sanborn Surround SACDs

This week’s new SACD releases from Universal Music feature Surround Sound SACD editions of albums by Sting, Aaron Neville and David Sanborn. Also new this week are further additions to the Universal Music SACD release schedule and the start of a mailing list for consumers interested in Universal’s SACD and DVD-A release plans in the U.S.

The Surround Sound SACD edition of Sting’s new Sacred Love album is being released on the same date as the regular CD Audio version in the U.S. market, making it a «day and date» release. However, in the European market it is being released as a special limited edition, single inventory SACD for a limited period of time to tie-in to Universal Music Europe’s promotion of the SACD format featuring Sting and other musicians in radio ads (see our earlier story from IFA 2003 linked below on Universal Music Europe’s SACD release plans for more details). At a later date, the album will be available in Europe in separate SACD and CD editions, as it is in the U.S.

The Aaron Neville and David Sanborn albums were released on CD Audio earlier this year and are now making their Surround Sound SACD debut this week. All three of the new SACDs feature Surround Sound SACD, Stereo SACD and CD Audio tracks. They are playable on SACD, CD and SACD compatible DVD Video players. Here’s more information on each release.

Sacred Love is Sting’s first new studio effort in 4 years. It features the song «Send Your Love» which was released as a
single by Sting this summer as well as a duet with singer Mary J. Blige. Next week, A&M will release a DVD Video on the making of the album entitled «Inside the Sings of Sacred Love». Universal Music says the DVD Video is intended to be a «companion» to the SACD and CD Audio editions of Sacred Love and will be packaged in a standard jewel box (vs. a standard DVD Video box) to encourage it’s placement in the record section of music and video stores.

Aaron Neville joins the Verve Records label with his newest album entitled Nature Boy: The Standards Album. As the album title implies, the SACD features Neville and a host of all-star guest musicians performing a series of musical classics. Included on the disc is a performance of The Very Thought of You which is a duet with Neville and Linda Ronstadt.

The Aaron Neville SACD features a 5.1 Surround Sound mix by Elliot Scheiner who also did the album’s Stereo mix. The SACD was mastered by Darcy Proper at Sony Music Studios in New York.

Album Performers

Aaron Neville — Vocals

Rob Mounsey — Piano, Organ, Keyboards & Percussion

Anthony Wilson — Guitar

Ron Carter — Bass

Grady Tate — Drums

Linda Ronstadt — Vocals

Roy Hargrove — Trumpet & Flugelhorn

Ray Anderson — Trombone

Michael Brecker — Tenor Sax

Charles Neville — Tenor Sax

Ry Cooder — Guitar

Gil Goldstein — Accordian

Bashiri Johnson — Congas & Percussion

Album Tracks
1. Summertime
2. Blame it on My Youth
3. The Very Thought of You — with Linda Ronstadt
4. The Shadow of Your Smile
5. Cry Me a River
6. Nature Boy
7. Who Will Buy?
8. Come Rain or Come Shine
9. Our Love Is Here to Stay
10. In the Still of the Night
11. Since I Fell for You
12. Danny Boy

Timeagain is David Sanborn’s first new album in 4 years and is his debut recording for the Verve label. The album features performances that are a mixture of jazz and pop classics along with three new songs. Timeagain also stars several guest musicians including Christian McBride, Steve Gadd, Russell Malone & Mike Mainieri.

When describing the album, Sanborn says

«I came up with the title «Timeagain» because much of this album is reexamining things from my past. On «Timeagain», I’m readdressing songs that have meant a lot to me over the years — some of which I heard when I was growing up in St. Louis.»

The Surround Sound mix for timeagain was done by Al Schmitt, assisted by Steve Genewick at Capitol Studios in Hollywood. The SACD mastering was done by Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Hollywood.

Availability
The new Sting, Aaron Neville and David Sanborn Surround Sound SACDs are now in stock and available for purchase at Tower Records as well as the Elusive Disc and Music Direct web sites. The Neville SACD is also available from the Acoustic Sounds web site.

New Email List for Universal SACD and DVD-A Releases
Taking a page from Universal Music Germany’s successful SACD release email list, Universal Music in the U.S. has started a similar email list for their SACD and DVD-A release plans. To enroll in the list, visit the Universal Music New Formats web section (see link below) and fill out the «Sign Up» link on the page. You will be asked to provide your birthdate, name and email address to join the list.

Universal Music Updates SACD Release List
Universal Music continues to add titles to their SACD Release List. Of note here are plans to release the Elton John Surround Sound SACD in two versions — one with a bonus DVD Video disc and new SACD titles by Ryan Adams, Motley Crue and Nana Mouskouri. Here are the latest Pop, Rock & Jazz SACD titles on the release list with projected release dates.

Universal Changes Gears On Guero Album by BeckSACD News: Universal Changes Gears On Guero Album by Beck (11/02/05). High Fidelity Review is the Internets leading source of high-resolution audio news, reviews and feature articles....